Elizabethtown Restaurants: Staying Local
Craving a culinary adventure beyond the ordinary? Tired of the same predictable chain restaurant fare? Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Lancaster County, offers more than just charming small-town vibes. Surrounding Elizabethtown is a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene, a tapestry woven with traditional Pennsylvania Dutch flavors, modern farm-to-table concepts, and ethnic cuisines waiting to be discovered. Forget the generic travel guides – this is your insider’s look at the best food near Elizabethtown, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This guide will navigate you through Elizabethtown’s local hotspots and ventures into nearby towns, uncovering hidden culinary gems and showcasing a variety of cuisines to satisfy every palate and fit any budget.
Sometimes, the best culinary experiences are found right in your backyard. Elizabethtown itself boasts a collection of restaurants that reflect the community’s character and offer delicious dining options.
The Bear’s Den Restaurant, a beloved local institution, offers classic American cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. With its rustic decor and welcoming service, The Bear’s Den is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal after a day of exploring. Their menu features everything from juicy burgers and crispy fries to homemade soups and comforting entrees like meatloaf and pot roast. Key highlights include their generous portions, reasonable prices, and their commitment to using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. It’s a great place to grab a quick lunch or enjoy a relaxing dinner with family and friends.
Another standout is Foltz’s Pretzels, a unique spot combining pretzel artistry with creative culinary twists. While they serve a selection of sandwiches and classic sides, they are known and loved for their sweet and savory pretzel variations. From pretzel burgers and dogs to sweet cinnamon pretzels and even soft pretzel pizzas, Foltz’s offers an adventurous take on the classic treat. A family-owned business, Foltz’s puts pride into serving freshly made, delicious and affordable pretzels to the community.
For something a little more upscale, consider Tattered Flag Brewery Still Works. This combination brewery and distillery produces a number of craft beers and spirits on-site. Besides the wide array of drinks, they also have a robust food menu of modern American cuisine. Appetizers, handhelds, entrees and desserts are all available, with creative culinary takes on classics, as well as interesting signature dishes. This spot is a great place to stop in and sample some local drinks while enjoying a filling meal.
Exploring Nearby Towns: Expanding Your Culinary Horizons
Venture a little outside Elizabethtown, and you’ll discover even more culinary gems. The surrounding towns of Hershey, Mount Joy, Manheim, and Lancaster offer a diverse range of dining experiences, from charming cafes to sophisticated restaurants.
Hershey: A Sweet Escape with Savory Surprises
While Hershey is undoubtedly known for its chocolate, the town offers a surprisingly diverse range of culinary experiences.
The Hershey Pantry is a local favorite renowned for its hearty portions and homestyle cooking. This family-owned restaurant has been serving the Hershey community for decades, offering a menu filled with comfort food classics like chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes. Their desserts are equally tempting, with homemade pies, cakes, and milkshakes that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The Hershey Pantry is a great place to enjoy a casual meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
For a more upscale dining experience in Hershey, consider The Circular at The Hotel Hershey. This elegant restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a refined menu featuring contemporary American cuisine. Their dishes are prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and showcase the talents of the hotel’s award-winning chefs. The Circular is an excellent choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
Mount Joy: Charm and Culinary Delights
The historic town of Mount Joy boasts a charming atmosphere and a selection of restaurants that reflect its local character.
Passenger Coffee is a must-visit for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. This cafe roasts its own beans and serves a variety of expertly crafted coffee drinks, as well as a selection of light bites and pastries. Their baristas are passionate about coffee and are always happy to share their knowledge with customers. Passenger Coffee is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and soak up the atmosphere of Mount Joy.
For a taste of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, head to Funck’s Family Restaurant in Mount Joy. This family-owned restaurant has been serving the community for generations, offering a menu filled with hearty dishes like chicken corn soup, shoofly pie, and scrapple. Their portions are generous, their prices are reasonable, and their service is friendly and welcoming. Funck’s Family Restaurant is a great place to experience the flavors of Lancaster County.
Manheim: Small-Town Charm, Big Flavors
Manheim is a picturesque town with a vibrant culinary scene that offers a range of options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Black Knight Historical Pub and Eatery, a local staple, serves a diverse array of dishes in a medieval-themed setting. They serve many appetizers, sandwiches and even entrees, alongside a wide selection of beverages, including many beer and wine options. This spot provides an entertaining and immersive dining experience with classic pub fare.
Another culinary option in Manheim is Tomato Pie Cafe. This restaurant brings a taste of Southern Italian cuisine to central Pennsylvania. Along with their various specialty tomato pies, they have a wide selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees to try. This cafe is a wonderful location for a casual meal in a laid back atmosphere.
Lancaster: (Closest to Elizabethtown) A Little Further Afield, But Worth the Trip
If you’re willing to venture a little further, Lancaster offers an even wider range of dining options. However, for the purposes of this guide, we’ll focus on restaurants that are relatively close to Elizabethtown.
The Belvedere Inn is a refined and upscale restaurant that serves elegant contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant is known for its beautifully presented dishes and creative preparations. They also feature an extensive wine list that pairs well with the dishes on the menu. The Belvedere Inn is an exceptional option for a special occasion or a romantic evening out.
Shot and Bottle Craft Bar and Kitchen is another culinary destination close to Elizabethtown. With a wide selection of craft beers, specialty cocktails and elevated takes on classic food staples, Shot and Bottle is a great place to get your fill. Their unique menu provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience for Lancaster County natives and tourists alike.
Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition
No visit to Lancaster County is complete without experiencing Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. This hearty and flavorful cuisine is characterized by its use of simple, locally sourced ingredients and its emphasis on comfort food classics. Several of the restaurants mentioned above, like Funck’s Family Restaurant, offer a taste of this culinary tradition. Dishes like chicken corn soup, shoofly pie, and chow-chow are staples of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and are sure to satisfy your cravings for something authentic and delicious. Other places to find Pennsylvania Dutch staples include smaller, family-run restaurants and farmers markets throughout the county.
Budget-Friendly Eats: Delicious Food That Won’t Break the Bank
Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Elizabethtown and its surrounding towns offer a variety of affordable dining options that are perfect for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike. Many diners offer daily specials, and smaller cafes often have lunch combos that are both satisfying and affordable. Another great option is to explore the local farmers markets, where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods at reasonable prices. Don’t be afraid to try the smaller, locally owned restaurants – they often offer the best value for your money. Also remember that places like Foltz’s Pretzels offer quick, affordable meals that don’t lack in flavor or creativity.
Sweet Treats & Dessert Destinations: Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
After a satisfying meal, it’s time to treat yourself to something sweet. Elizabethtown and its surrounding towns are home to a variety of ice cream shops, bakeries, and cafes that offer delectable desserts.
Elizabethtown is home to many options for sweets. Places like Elizabeth Farms Market or Bricker’s Famous French Fries serve a variety of sweet options, including soft serve ice cream. Elizabeth Farms also offers donuts and apple dumplings.
For the most intense sweet fix, consider visiting Hershey. Besides its massive Hershey’s Chocolate World that carries a wide variety of unique and exclusive chocolate treats, Hershey is also home to various other unique dessert destinations such as Hershey Creamery Ice Cream and the Swirl ice cream store at Hershey Gardens.
Conclusion
From hearty Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine to innovative farm-to-table dishes, the food scene near Elizabethtown, PA, is as diverse as it is delicious. This guide has only scratched the surface of the culinary adventures that await you. So, venture out, explore the local restaurants, and discover your own hidden gems. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor eager to experience the flavors of Lancaster County, Elizabethtown and its surrounding towns offer a culinary experience that’s sure to please.
Now it’s your turn! What are your favorite restaurants near Elizabethtown, PA? Share your recommendations in the comments below! Be sure to also check out the many other attractions in Elizabethtown and Lancaster County, including historic sites, scenic parks, and charming shops. Come, stay awhile, and experience all that this beautiful region has to offer. Don’t hesitate, Elizabethtown food is just waiting to be sampled!
